Mercator, Maritime training museum in Ostend, Belgium
Description
Mercator is a sailing vessel measuring 78.4 meters in length, now anchored as a museum ship in Ostend. The ship features three masts equipped with 15 sails, including multiple jibs and square rigging on the forward masts.
History
Built in 1932 in Leith, Scotland, the vessel served as a training ship for the Belgian merchant navy. In 1961 it became a floating museum, where it has welcomed visitors ever since.
Culture
The name references a famous cartographer and connects the vessel to Flanders' seafaring heritage. Visitors can experience how sailors lived and worked aboard during the age of sailing ships, gaining insight into maritime traditions.
Practical
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM and sits near Ostend City Hall. Wear comfortable shoes, as boarding involves stairs and moving between decks requires navigating narrow passageways.
Did you know?
In 1936, the ship carried the remains of Flemish missionary Pater Damiaan from Hawaii back to Belgium, a journey marking an important moment in the nation's history. Damiaan was a revered figure known for his devotion to caring for the sick.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Ostend).
Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk
338 m
Leopoldpark
460 m
Postgebouw van Oostende
441 m
Mu.ZEE - Kunstmuseum aan Zee
400 m
Sint-Pieterstoren
311 m
Vissersvrouwen
452 m
Sint-Jozefskerk
488 m
Museum voor Schone Kunsten
400 m
De Mast
161 m
Town hall of Ostend
191 m
Provinciaal Museum voor Moderne Kunst
381 m
Feest- en Kultuurpaleis
545 m
SKY Towers
305 m
Spaans Huisje
458 m
Synagogue, Ostend
462 m
Woning Deweert
281 m
Mausoleum Queen Louise-Marie in Ostend
338 m
Dominicanenkerk
356 m
Mercatorjachthaven
299 m
Gerechtsgebouw
226 m
Statue of Leopold I
673 m
La Paloma, Ostend
603 m
Albion Palace
614 m
The Sea
457 m
Sorry
536 m
The Lioness
498 m
James Ensor Monument
470 m
CC De Grote Post
439 m
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes